- By Shivangi Sharma
- Mon, 29 Dec 2025 09:43 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signalled fresh momentum toward a potential peace framework for Ukraine on Sunday, saying talks on security guarantees were nearing completion, though major disagreements, particularly over eastern Ukraine, continue to block a final agreement.
Speaking to reporters after hosting Zelenskyy at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, Trump said security guarantees for Ukraine were “close to 95 per cent” complete. However, he cautioned that unresolved territorial questions, especially in the Donbas region, remained a significant obstacle.
Trump Says Putin ‘Serious About Peace’
“Yes, I do believe that Russian President Vladimir Putin is serious about peace this time,” Trump said. “I think they both are. They have to make a deal. Too many people died and both Presidents want to make a deal. I’ve settled eight wars and this is the most difficult one.”
Trump added that he planned to speak again with Putin following the meeting, saying negotiations would continue. Earlier, he described a phone call with the Russian leader as “productive.”
I thank President Trump @POTUS and his team for the negotiations. I thank the United States for its support. Together, we must – and can – implement our vision for the sequencing of steps toward peace. pic.twitter.com/YklMUd62BA
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 28, 2025
Just hours before the talks, Zelenskyy briefed British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on what he described as a “detailed phone call,” updating him on preparations for the Trump meeting, the frontline situation and recent Russian strikes.
Standing alongside Zelenskyy at a late afternoon news conference, Trump praised the Ukrainian leader as “very brave” and said Russia “wants to see Ukraine succeed,” a comment that drew attention amid the ongoing war.
European Leaders Drawn Into Discussions
Despite the optimistic tone, both leaders acknowledged deep challenges ahead, including whether Russia would retain control over occupied Ukrainian land and what security assurances could prevent future invasions.
Following their discussions, Trump and Zelenskyy convened a larger meeting with European leaders, including the heads of Finland, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Poland and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Zelenskyy said Trump agreed to host European leaders again in January, possibly at the White House, though Trump said the location could be in Washington or elsewhere.
Zelenskyy thanked Trump for his efforts and said, “Ukraine is prepared for peace.” However, Russian officials struck a cautious note, with Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov saying a “bold, responsible political decision” from Kyiv was needed on the future of the Donbas region and other disputed issues for a complete cessation of hostilities.